Region 11
Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby
Region 11 Reports
Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment highlights data and stories from community members across the Region and includes strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our local Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.
Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
Action Council Members
Alexandria Poe, AP Therapeutic Practice & Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education, Owner & Associate Director
Dennis Pearson, Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., Head Start Director
Emily Zerrusen, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Social Work Clinician
Erika Hollis, Paris CUSD #95, Instructional Coach
Jayme Holt, Franklin Preschool, Principal
Katie Parrish, Lake Land College, Sociology Instructor
Katrina Farris, Mattoon School District, Director of Early Childhood
Laurrie Minor, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, Director
Melissa Coleman, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Higher Education Navigator & Outreach Coordinator & Adjunct Faculty
Melissa Krieger, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Mikki Sherwood, Eastern Illinois University, Professor
Staci Christer, Shelby County Health Department, MCH Nurse
Teresa Metzger, Regional Office of Education #11, McKinney-Vento Lead Liaison
Family Council Members
Abigail Gibson, Marshall (Clark County)
Aimee Younker, Moweaqua (Shelby County)
Amanda Baima, Charleston (Coles County)
Britny Donaldson, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Elizabeth Ingram, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Jenny Lewis, Greenup (Cumberland County)
Jordan Sharp, Paris (Edgar County)
Kennedy Polanski, Sullivan (Moultrie County)
Micah Wiley, Sullivan (Moultrie County)
Molly Plank, Tuscola (Douglas County)
Nicole Huffman, Martinsville (Clark County)
Samantha Elliott, Paris (Edgar County)
Skyler Harford, Mattoon (Coles County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Melissa Ashmore
Melissa Ashmore (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 11. She has 25 years of experience in the Human Services and Education fields. Melissa has served her community in a variety of roles including Court Diversion Officer, Director of Membership for the Girl Scouts of America, Director of the Illinois Coalition for Community Services (Teen REACH), Counselor (PreK-12), Clinical Therapist at Eastern Illinois University, and Counselor at CEAD and Shelby CCS. She has also taught courses in Human Development and facilitated trainings and workshops at Eastern Illinois University.
Melissa has degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology, and a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Development. She is a proud alum of Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University. Melissa is skilled in community cultivation, program development, outreach, leadership, conflict resolution, state and federal grant writing, and has a special interest in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Melissa has one adult daughter, who is a high school history teacher and coach. She is an avid animal lover, enjoys hiking, and is a sunshine enthusiast!
Coming soon!
Ellyn Andrews
Ellyn Andrews (she/her) is the Region 11 Administrative Support. Ellyn operated a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensed home child care for over a decade. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, she worked in education and then spent several years in business administration. Ellyn is a passionate advocate for children. She firmly believes teamwork and strategic collaboration across various agencies and communities at all levels (local, state, and federal) will have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Outside of work, Ellyn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and watching beautiful sunsets.
Contact Region 11
Please fill out the form below to contact Region 11. Your message will go directly to their inbox. You may also reach them at (309) 270-5687.